Retreats

My passion in life has always been to make a difference in the world, specifically with women. I’d dreamed for years of creating a life of empowerment for myself and all women. When my dream became a reality in 2004, I was thrilled. But I had no idea what I was getting into!

When I opened the doors, there were very few retreat centers in the state of Texas. As the yoga industry boomed, so did the retreat business. While I have seen many retreat businesses come and go, I’m proud to say Retreat in the Pines (formerly Yoga in the Pines) is still growing strong. And while Yoga and Meditation are certainly an important part of our retreats, the sharing of stories, laughter and tears while gathered around our community table is the real essence of our retreats.

I was inspired to begin hosting yoga retreats when I was invited to teach at a fitness retreat in 2004. While I was disappointed at the “un-retreat” like weekend – non-existent free time, very little sleep, and highly restrictive meals – I was also inspired. I wanted to create a more “retreat like” experience, inviting women to indulge in some of my (and hopefully their!) favorite things – wine, coffee, chocolate and delicious meals cooked from scratch – all as a complement to yoga. More importantly, I imagined a getaway that would be accessible to women of all sizes, ages, levels of yoga experience and budgets. Focused on that idea, my first retreat was priced ridiculously low at $199! In order to continue to reach more women and cover the costs of doing business, I’ve gradually had to raise the retreat prices. Prices now range from $399 to $499 for two night retreats and $649 (Love Yourself Retreat – a four day life changing retreat). The Retreat Assistance Program allows ALL women to attend a retreat.

Thank you to each of you who participated in our 13th Anniversary Celebration & Giveaway. I have met so many amazing women over the years, each one of you inspires me! If I haven’t met you yet, I look forward to it. We have built this community on love and encouragement. I am grateful to each one of you for your support. I love seeing your comments and I so appreciate you sharing your stories, inspirations, memories and love with us and with each other.

I am humbled to be a part of your journey of yoga, wellness and healing. It brings me an incredible amount of joy. Thank you.

Sometimes all of my responsibilities just feel like too much. I feel like I could use an indefinite vacation. The thought of all that I HAVE to do just feels so overwhelming. Maybe you can relate.

Instead of fantasizing about walking away – do something about your burn out. Hire a therapist, let off some steam with your girlfriends, discover the joy of moving your body in a yoga or a Zumba class. Even a few hours away in a “mini vacation” can do wonders.

Better yet, make time to attend a Yoga Retreat. You get the benefits of all of the above; plus, a change of scenery, a welcoming community, home cooked meals and wine – what’s not to love? A yoga retreat will definitely change your perspective and maybe even your life. And all of that for less than $400 for a weekend. Find out more here.

If you’re like me, finding balance seems impossible. I feel like I spend too much time doing what I need to do and only fantasize about what I want to do. I realized recently that what I want to do – take a break – is exactly what I need to do!

Maybe you know someone in your life (maybe it’s you!) who would benefit from a weekend away. It has been quite a year!

Give the gift that will keep on giving, long after you or your someone special returns home. A retreat is an excellent way to press pause on life and take a breath. It’s an opportunity to slow down and find stillness in the mind, relaxation in the body and possibility in the heart.

Our community of women support and encourage each other – at the retreat and in the days that follow – through social media or in-person connection. Some guests make instant connections with each other and return to a retreat together.

Retreat guests are able to –

Consider the direction that life is taking.

Find a fresh perspective.

Discover gratitude for the little things.

Truly relax and unwind – no chores to do, no meals to prepare, no errands to run.

Savor delicious home cooked meals without chopping, cooking or cleaning a thing.

Enjoy quiet time in contemplation – walking, journaling or simply sitting in nature.

Engage in conversation with inspirational women, sharing stories and laughter.

Reconnect to self.

Choose the retreat you think is perfect, or let your recipient choose her perfect retreat. Gift Certificates are available for either option.

Thank you to each of you who participated in our 12th Anniversary Celebration & Giveaway. We are so grateful for our Retreat in the Pines community! We loved seeing your comments and we appreciate you sharing your stories, inspiration, memories, and love with us. We are grateful for each one of you. Thank you for supporting and loving each other on our journey of yoga, wellness and healing.

Now’s the perfect time to savor the flavors of summer before it’s too late. The end of summer is always bittersweet for me – the promise of cooler weather, yet the end of the season for my favorite fruits and veggies. There’s nothing better than a juicy peach fromHam Orchards or a handful of plump East Texas Blueberries to make my heart sing.

Guests Enjoying our Farm to Table Buffet

If you have yet to savor our freshly prepared, Farm to Table dishes, you’re in for a treat. Our guests rave about our healthy and delicious meals, prepared with lots of love – from locally sourced produce and meat to homemade rosemary and garlic breads. Best of all, you don’t have to lift a finger. No chopping, no cooking, no cleaning up – just relaxing, chatting and enjoying the flavors. Hungry for homemade meals alongside yoga, laughter and wine?Book here.

It never ceases to thrill me the amazing and wonderful women who visit Retreat in the Pines. Our Three Night Gratitude Retreat was no exception. The group bonded immediately, and we were sharing laughter and tears right away. To experience this magic for yourself, join us at an upcoming retreat.

No two retreats are the same, but there is often a shared feeling or theme that connects everyone who is present for the retreat. In this particular group, our common theme seemed to be transition. Women moving on from ending long term relationships. Women beginning new career directions. Women becoming strong and confident.

At Retreat in the Pines we specialize in retreats that build community: relax and renew in yoga; calm your mind in meditation; feed your body and soul with delicious made-from-scratch meals and laugh, share and find support with an amazing group of encouraging women. Book your dream retreat with Retreat in the Pines here.

When looking for a yoga retreat, it seems like there are endless options to choose from. Writing and Reflection in the Woods, Burlesque and Bliss on the Beach, Strength and Healing Yoga Retreat in the Pines (my personal favorite), Men’s Nude Yoga in Hawaii (..really!), and anything you could imagine in between.

The Perfect Retreat…for You

The thought of a perfect retreat, you know where you come home transformed physically, mentally and emotionally with clearer skin and shinier hair on top of being free from all negative thoughts in your mind, aches in your body and fears in your heart…might seem over reaching (and it is)…but there is a retreat that’s relevant for where you are in your yoga practice, in your life and in your energy. It’s just a matter of ruling out the choices that aren’t right…until you’re left with the opportunity to go on a retreat that will take you to exactly the place you need to be.

Considerations when Choosing

A few things to consider as you think through finding the retreat that is right for you:

Hosting yoga retreats is, by far, one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The dynamics differ from weekend to weekend, but there is almost always an energy of change and transformation in the air. By letting go of negative thoughts, bad habits and other forms of resistance, guests are able to open up their hearts, minds, and yoga practice to new possibilities.

It’s So Much More Than Yoga

The most recent Strength and Healing Retreat was a weekend for breaking through barriers and reconnecting to our true selves. While the yoga and meditation were a powerful part ot the weekend, the connections and friendships were what really allowed us to find new possibilities and reflect on our lives with a renewed perspective.

Listening to their stories and observing their yoga practice, I could see unbelievable inner and outer strength. Over the weekend several of the women experienced physical breakthroughs in their practice, but I’m almost positive that every guest experienced a renewed sense of mental and emotional clarity. During the individual pose alignment sessions, each guest chose a pose or two to practice. I rejoiced as I saw the women transition from thoughts of “There’s no way I can do that,” to, “I’m really doing this!” With encouragement from one another, several guests were able to float up into seemingly effortless arm balances, embracing their outer and inner strength.